11 places in St. Louis to shop for wine like a sommelier
Advanced sommelier Alisha Blackwell-Calvert shares some of her favorite spots around town to shop for wine.
33 WINE SHOP & BAR
Owner-operator James Smallwood has fine-tuned the hospitality at this longtime Lafayette Square staple. Smallwood has extended weekend hours to 1 a.m., so it's very convenient to enjoy a bottle at the bar and take one home.
1913 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.231.9463, 33wine.com
CIVIL ALCHEMY
This store has a great location in the heart of Old Webster Groves. Civil Alchemy carries an array of clothing, kitchen and homewares, but ask co-owner Ian VanDam to guide you through their exciting collection of natural wines and interesting specialty spirits.
8154 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314.801.7577, civilalchemy.com
CLAYTON WINEHOUSE
The lazy Susan full of sparkling wine is the way to go at this Clayton stalwart, which also offers wines for purchase by the glass and charcuterie boards to snack on.
7911 Clayton Road, Clayton, 314.449.6291, claytonwinehouse.com
GRAND SPIRITS BOTTLE CO.
This is a prime location to shop for low-intervention styles of wine from around the world. Grab a drink, enjoy a sandwich, then take a bottle to go.
3194 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.769.9933, grandspiritsco.com
PARKER’S TABLE
Jon Parker’s specialty store has a variety of low-intervention wines, regional classics and a side room filled with plenty of bottles to splurge on. I recommend grabbing a delicious sandwich during your visit as well.
7118 Oakland Ave., Richmond Heights, 314.645.2050, parkerstable.com
ROBUST WINE BAR
Wine in the restaurant and for retail are coded by style to make finding the right bottle a breeze.
227 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314.963.0033, robustwinebar.com
THE SMOKEHOUSE MARKET
Annie Gunn’s offers many wines from their award-winning list at the adjoining Smokehouse Market. If you’re looking for something special, ask if the restaurant’s celebrated sommelier Glenn Bardgett is available – he’s always willing to help you find an excellent bottle.
16806 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.532.3314, smokehousemarket.com
ST. LOUIS WINE MARKET
After 13 years in business, store manager and co-owner Richard Sterkel continues to delight and entertain at St. Louis Wine Market. I recommend purchasing a bottle and enjoying a glass on the cozy couches.
161 Long Road, Suite 105, Chesterfield, 636.536.6363, stlwinemarket.com
STARRS
Locally owned and operated since 1979, Starrs offers a vast selection of wine and cheeses. With a careful eye, you can find values with nice aging.
1135 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, 314.781.2345, starrs1.com
THE WINE AND CHEESE PLACE (CLAYTON)
There are several Wine and Cheese Place locations, but the Clayton store is my go-to for French wine. Co-owner Aaron Zwicker is also the wine buyer for the Clayton location – he has a wealth of knowledge and always has great suggestions.
7435 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.447.9463, wineandcheeseplace.com
THE WINE MERCHANT
The Wine Merchant’s new location in Olivette is bright, spacious and still focused on quality bottles. The meeting space off the store floor invites you to sign up for one of their many expert-led wine classes.
9200 Olive Blvd., Suite 126, Olivette, 314.863.6282, winemerchantltd.com
Alisha Blackwell-Calvert is an advanced sommelier with Madrina, slated to open in Webster Groves in late November.
Disclaimer: Robust Wine Bar is owned by Stanley Browne and Arlene Maminta Browne, who are also among the co-owners of Madrina.
